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Case 204 - A spectator at a racecourse had her parasol confiscated on health and safety grounds as it could be used as a weapon

Issue

The enquirer visited a racecourse as a spectator. While she was there, a steward confiscated her parasol because it posed a health and safety risk. She was told that someone could use it as a weapon.

Panel decision

There is clearly no health and safety issue here - many of us carry umbrellas with points when we travel on crowded public transport every day without incident. The racecourse has a clear policy which states that they reserve the right to refuse articles being brought into the event. On this occasion someone judged that a parasol could be used as a weapon - a bizarre decision and certainly not health and safety.